SSC SSA / UDC Exam Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern PDF | Complete Subject-wise Syllabus
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official syllabus and examination scheme for the Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), 2025. Candidates preparing for the examination should thoroughly understand the latest exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme and selection process to improve their performance in the Computer Based Examination (CBE).
The examination consists of four objective papers covering Comprehension (English/Hindi) & General English, Parliamentary Procedure, General Knowledge, and Noting & Drafting. Candidates qualifying the Computer Based Examination will subsequently be considered for Evaluation of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs).
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Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Department | Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) |
| Examination | Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), 2025 |
| Post Name | Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Examination (CBE) |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Medium | English & Hindi (Except English Language Section) |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Maximum Marks | 200 Marks |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Mark for each incorrect answer |
Selection Process
Selection to the Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade will be carried out in the following stages:
- Computer Based Examination (200 Marks)
- Evaluation of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) – 100 Marks
- Preparation of Final Merit List
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Computer Based Examination Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Comprehension (English/Hindi) & General English | 50 | 50 |
| Parliamentary Procedure | 50 | 50 |
| General Knowledge | 50 | 50 |
| Noting & Drafting | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
- Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions.
- Each question carries one mark.
- 0.25 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Candidates should answer carefully to avoid negative marking.
Subject-wise Syllabus
1. Comprehension (English/Hindi) & General English
Questions will be designed to assess the candidate's ability to understand written passages and test knowledge of English language usage.
The syllabus broadly includes:
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Improvement
- Error Detection
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Fill in the Blanks
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
2. Parliamentary Procedure
Candidates should have a sound understanding of the functioning of Parliament and parliamentary practices.
Major topics include:
- Constitutional Provisions relating to Parliament
- Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
- Legislative Procedure
- Question Hour
- Zero Hour
- Parliamentary Committees
- Budget Procedure
- Financial Business
- Motions & Resolutions
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business
- Privileges of Parliament
- Parliamentary Terminology
3. General Knowledge
Questions in this section will assess the candidate's awareness of current affairs and general knowledge relevant to Central Government employees.
The syllabus broadly includes:
- Indian History
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy
- Geography of India
- Science & Technology
- Environmental Studies
- Current National & International Affairs
- Important Government Schemes
- Awards & Honours
- Books & Authors
- Sports
- Important Days & Events
- Art & Culture
4. Noting & Drafting
This section evaluates the candidate's ability to prepare official notes and drafts used in Government offices.
Major topics include:
- Office Noting
- Official Drafting
- Government Correspondence
- Office Procedure
- Official Communications
- Record Management
- File Management
- Office Memorandums (OMs)
- Circulars and Notifications
- Minutes and Reports
- Letter Writing
- Administrative Communication Skills
Evaluation of APARs
Candidates who qualify in the Computer Based Examination will be considered for the evaluation of their Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs).
- Maximum Marks: 100
- APAR evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the provisions mentioned in the official notification.
- Final merit will be prepared by considering the prescribed selection criteria.
Preparation Tips
- Study the complete official syllabus before starting preparation.
- Understand the Computer Based Examination pattern and marking scheme.
- Strengthen your English language and comprehension skills.
- Revise Parliamentary Procedure and Government office practices regularly.
- Improve your General Knowledge through newspapers and current affairs.
- Practice Noting & Drafting using official Government formats.
- Attempt mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Avoid unnecessary guessing due to negative marking.
Important Instructions
- Follow the latest syllabus prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission.
- The examination will consist of Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions.
- There will be a negative marking of 0.25 mark for every incorrect answer.
- Candidates qualifying the Computer Based Examination will only be considered for APAR evaluation.
- Regularly visit the official SSC website for corrigenda, examination schedule and other updates.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
| Official Syllabus PDF | Download PDF |
| Official SSC Website | Visit Website |
Also ReadDisclaimer: This article has been prepared for informational purposes based on the official Staff Selection Commission (SSC) syllabus, examination scheme, notification and corrigendum issued for the Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), 2025. Candidates are advised to refer to the official syllabus PDF, recruitment notification and any subsequent corrigenda issued by SSC for the latest examination pattern, subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme, eligibility conditions and examination updates. In case of any discrepancy, the official documents issued by the Staff Selection Commission shall prevail.